The men’s basketball team defeated Summit University at home, 82-60. Four different players reached over 10 points, which shows the depth in players that the Colonels have.

The game started and the Colonels broke out their first lead at 15-14 still early in the game. The Colonels stepped up and increased the deficit to 33-18, which was the largest lead of the half. The Colonels continued playing tough and felt comfortable with a 37-27 lead going into halftime.

The beginning of the second half started a great run for the Colonels. They scored 15 points and only let Summit score two, bringing the score to 65-45. Summit was slowed down by the Colonel defense late in the game, and they could not pull their team out of the deficit.

At the end of the game, the Colonels  made a 10-point run only allowing one point in, and put up the largest lead in the game of 26 points with a score of 82-56. The game ended 82-60.

Senior Steve Stravinski opened his season with the game leading 20 points and seven rebounds. Senior Alec Wizar scored 14 points and had four assists. The two seniors led the team, along with two new freshman Marcus Robinson and Clay Basalyga.

Robinson scored 17 points and had five steals in his first game. The first year player competed alongside experienced college players.

“It means a lot to me to be able to play at this level with much older, more developed players because it shows that I can make an impact on my team this year. I will hopefully be really successful,” Robinson said.

Most first year players do not make a great impact on the court until they have a few years of experience. Robinson did not become the basketball player he is today by himself. The basketball program here at Wilkes has taught him a lot.

“I credit both the coaches and the players. I have learned a lot from the whole coaching staff which has made my performance better since I’ve been here, and I’m truly grateful to have other members of the team to help me along the way to learn the system much faster and easier,” Robinson said.

Basalyga scored 13 points and had the team high eight rebounds in his first game. He reflected on how important his first game was to him.

“To play in my first collegiate game and be able to help contribute to the team was one of the greatest feelings I have ever had. Getting the W made it that much better,” Basalyga said.

For further information on the basketball team’s schedule, visit www.gowilkesu.com.